Expenditure on Social Security Benefits rose by 7.9 per cent during the first quarter, driven mainly by outlays on Pensions in respect of Retirement, and the Contributory Bonus.

Total expenditure on Social Security Benefits amounted to €207.5 million during the first quarter this year, up by €15.2 million over the corresponding period last year. This primarily reflected an increase of €12.8 million on Contributory Benefits. Concurrently, Non-Contributory Benefits increased by €2.4 million.

The increase in Contributory Benefits was essentially the result of a €5.4 million growth in Pensions in respect of Retirement, which amounted to €98.9 million during the first quarter. This was primarily underpinned by outlays on the Two-thirds Pension, which advanced by €6.6 million, reflecting a rise in the number of beneficiaries. Pensions in respect of Invalidity declined by €0.5 million during the period under review. Pensions in respect of Widowhood increased by €1.3 million while the Contributory Bonus went up by €6.7 million.

Non-Contributory Benefits increased by €2.4 million over the comparative period in 2009. Within this category Children’s Allowances and the Supplementary Allowance decreased by €0.1 million each, while Social Assistance increased by €1.2 million.

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